Quantitative Research

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region XIII-CARAGA REGION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF SURIGAO DEL SUR
ADLAY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF LATERITE SILT AS A SUSTAINABLE

INGREDIENT IN CONCRETE BRICK PRODUCTION
A Research Study Presented

To the Faculty of Senior High School
Adlay National High School
Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao Del Sur
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements in Practical Research-II
By:
(Members)
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June 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Certificate of authorship ii
Approval sheet iii
Acknowledgement iv
Dedication v
Abstract vi
Table of contents vii
List of figure ix
List of tables x
CHAPTER
1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual framework
Statement of the problem
Hypothesis
Scope and limitation of the study
Significance of the study
Definition of terms
2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
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Related Literature
Foreign
Local
Related Studies
Foreign
Local
Synthesis
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
Research locale
Research respondents
Research instrument
Data gathering procedure
Statistical treatment
4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 13
5 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings 17
Conclusions 17
Recommendations 18
References Cited 19
Appendices
Appendix A Researcher-made Questionnaire 20
Appendix B Pictures during gathering of data 21
Curriculum Vitae 23
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LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1 Page
Schematic Diagram of the Study 3
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LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 1. Respondents of the study 11
Table 2. Demographic Profile 13
Table 3. To what extent does social media help entrepreneurs 14
Table 4. Average daily income 15
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CHAPTER I
PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
INTRODUCTION
Concrete, a fundamental construction material, has long been associated with
environmental concerns due to its high energy consumption and carbon footprint during
production. The extraction of raw materials, such as sand and gravel, and the high energy
consumption during production contribute to carbon emissions and depletion of natural
resources. The utilization of alternative materials in concrete production has gained
significant attention in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental
impact of traditional concrete manufacturing processes. One such material is laterite silt,
which shows promise as a sustainable ingredient in concrete brick production. Laterite
silts, which occupy 33% of the intertropical zone are among the most widely used raw
materials, particularly for road construction as subsoil and as building materials (Kagonbe
et al., 2020) for the production of compressed earth bricks (Darman, et al., 2022).
Natural source materials needed to produce bricks the old-fashioned way are in
short supply in many regions of the world. Industrialization and economic advancement
have resulted in the depletion of natural resources, and the expansion of the construction
sector is an inevitable part of this (Cabreza et al. ,2019). Annually, building construction
in the world consumes 25% of the global wood harvest; 40% of stone, sand, and gravel;
and 16% of water (Joseph and Tretsiakova-McNally, 2010).

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Conventional bricks in the Philippines have a high embodied energy and a
significant carbon footprint because they are formed from regular Portland cement
concrete using a high temperature kiln burning process (Zhang, 2013). Furthermore,
traditional bricks are difficult to locate in some parts of the nation, particularly in the
CARAGA Region, Municipality of Carrascal, Barangay Adlay, due to a lack of resources
or perhaps their complete unavailability. If bricks were ever accessible, they would be
sold for a high price. Fortunately, as the second-largest nickel ore producer globally, the
Philippines possesses abundant laterite resources (Garside, 2021). The Caraga Region,
in particular, hosts 16 out of the country's 24 nickel laterite mines, making it a significant
contributor to the nation's nickel production (MGB13, 2021). Laterite being locally
available, cost effective, energy efficient and environment friendly building material (Riza
et al.,2010) is can be used by the community of Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del
Sur and make it a material of choice for the present day of construction, especially in
bricks production. However, despite the substantial presence of laterite, a critical gap in
the literature exists regarding the specific quantity of laterite waste along the shoreline of
Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. Still, as of 2019, data from the Environmental
Management Bureau (EMB) indicates a total of 11,500,270 tons of laterite present in the
mining site of 4DVDI, as uploaded by 4D Ventures & Development Incorporated.
This study aims to address the aforementioned gap by evaluating the potential of
laterite silt as a sustainable ingredient in concrete brick production. The exploration

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examines various factors, including the strength, durability, stability, water and fire
resistance associated with laterite silt into concrete bricks.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
This study is anchored by Innovation Diffusion theory of EM Rogers. The
application of the Innovation Diffusion Theory to the study on exploring the potential of
laterite silt as a sustainable ingredient in concrete brick production offers a structured lens
through which to understand the material's adoption within the construction industry. At
the forefront of this innovation are the "innovators" — risk-taking pioneers within the
construction field or academia who are eager to experiment with new ideas. These
individuals, recognizing the potential benefits of laterite silt, become the early adopters,
leading the way in establishing the material's utility (Sahin, 2016). As laterite silt gains
acceptance, the "early majority" emerges, representing a significant portion of the
construction industry. This group plays a pivotal role in mainstreaming the use of laterite
silt in concrete brick production. Subsequently, the "late majority" follows suit, and the
material becomes more widely adopted within the general population of construction
professionals and builders. Even the "laggards," who are typically slower to adopt
innovations, may eventually incorporate laterite silt into their practices. The Innovation
Diffusion Theory thus provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the diverse
attitudes and behaviors of different segments within the construction industry as they
navigate the adoption of laterite silt. This theoretical approach not only facilitates the
identification of challenges and opportunities associated with the material's

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implementation but also enriches the study's insights into the dynamics of sustainable
construction practices.
Second, the study is anchored by Circular Economy Theory, popularized by
scholars like Walter R. Stahel and championed by organizations such as the Ellen
MacArthur Foundation, which advocates for an economic model focused on maximizing
resource use while minimizing waste and environmental impact (Kalmykova, Sadagopan,
& Rosado, 2018). In the study exploring the viability of laterite silt in concrete brick
production, this theory becomes highly relevant. By incorporating laterite silt—a locally
available resource that might otherwise be considered waste—into the concrete
production process, the study aligns with the circular economy's principles of resource
efficiency and waste reduction. The investigation into laterite silt's application contributes
to the concept of a closed-loop system, potentially extending the life cycle of materials
and reducing the reliance on constant extraction of new resources. In essence, the study
not only explores the technical aspects of using laterite silt but also embodies a
sustainable approach aligned with the circular economy's ethos of creating regenerative
systems within the construction industry.
Lastly, the study is anchored by geotechnical engineering theories of Karl
Terzaghi. In the study exploring the potential of laterite silt in concrete brick production,
the application of geotechnical engineering and soil stabilization theories is instrumental.
The foundational principles of geotechnical engineering guide the assessment of how
laterite silt, as a soil material, interacts with other components in the concrete mix.
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Understanding its compaction characteristics, structural behavior, and impact on stability
is crucial for ensuring the suitability of laterite silt in construction projects. Soil stabilization
theories, on the other hand, inform construction techniques employed to enhance the
structural integrity of the concrete bricks (Goodman, 2002). These techniques may
involve the use of additives or specific practices to stabilize the soil components, ensuring
that laterite silt positively contributes to the strength and durability of the concrete bricks.
In essence, the study benefits from the wealth of knowledge embedded in geotechnical
engineering and soil stabilization theories to optimize the use of laterite silt, ultimately
contributing to more robust and sustainable concrete brick production practices.

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1.Effect of laterite silt-
based concrete bricks in
terms of:
• Conduct true
1.1 strength; experiment
• Checklist/ observation
1.2 durability;
tool
Laterite silt-based
1.3 structural stability; • Evaluation of sample
brick
a. Traditional brick
1.4 fire resistance;
b. Laterite silt-based
1.5 water resistance concrete brick
2. Maximum percentage of
laterite silt to be added in
making a concrete brick.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The construction industry's shift towards sustainable practices necessitates
thoroughly exploring alternative materials. This study aims to address the following key
questions to comprehensively understand the potential of laterite silt as a sustainable
ingredient in concrete brick production:
1. What is the effect of incorporating laterite silt in concrete brick production in terms
of:
1.1 Strength;
1.2 Durability;
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1.3 Structural Stability;
1.4 Fire Resistance;
1.5 Water Resistance.
2. What is the optimal percentage of laterite silt that can be added to concrete brick
production to achieve maximum sustainability without compromising structural
integrity?
3. Is there any significant difference in the properties and quality of concrete bricks
produced using laterite compared to traditional concrete?
4. What is the overall percentage potential of laterite silt as ingredient in concrete
bricks production?
HYPOTHESIS
Ho: There is no significant difference in the properties and quality of concrete bricks
produced using laterite silt compared to traditional concrete bricks.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is beneficial to the following:
Concrete brick maker. The study holds substantial significance for brick makers as it
introduces the potential use of laterite silt, providing an opportunity to enhance production
processes, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to sustainable practices, thereby

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contributing to the economic viability and long-term competitiveness of brick-making
businesses.
Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. The study's findings will shed light on the
potential utilization of locally abundant laterite silt, offering opportunities for economic
development, waste management, and sustainable construction practices, thereby
directly impacting the livelihoods and environmental well-being of the community
Local Government Unit. The study will be beneficial to the Local Government Unit (LGU)
for it has the potential to inform and guide policies related to sustainable construction
practices by introducing laterite silt as a viable local resource, thus contributing to
economic development, waste reduction, and the overall environmental sustainability of
infrastructure projects within the jurisdiction.
Future researchers. This study sets the stage for future researchers to delve deeper into
the properties and applications of laterite silt in construction. Researchers can build upon
the findings, refining methodologies and exploring additional aspects such as specific mix
ratios, curing methods, or variations in production techniques to optimize the use of
laterite silt.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study will be conducted exclusively in Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del
Sur. The collection of laterite silt will be focused on the specific site of Kayawyawan within
Barangay Adlay. To assess the viability of laterite silt in concrete brick production, the
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study will engage masonry workers and masonry students from Barangay Adlay and
Adlay National High School respectively, as key respondents for evaluating the quality of
the bricks. It is important to note that the findings may have limited generalizability beyond
the study's geographic and demographic scope. The temporal scope is confined to the
academic year 2023-2024, and the evaluation is exclusively centered on concrete bricks,
potentially excluding insights into other construction materials. Additionally, the study
acknowledges potential resource constraints, such as the availability of laterite silt in
Kayawyawan, which could impact the quantity of material accessible for the research.
Despite these limitations, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the local
applicability and potential of laterite silt in sustainable construction practices within
Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Bricks. Refers to a rectangular block of clay or concrete used as a building material.
Bricks are typically small enough to be placed in one hand while being solid enough to
withstand the pressure and weight of other bricks or construction materials.
Concrete Brick Production. The process of manufacturing bricks using concrete as the
primary material.
Durability. Refers to the ability of a product, material, or structure to withstand wear,
pressure, damage, or decay over an extended period of time, especially when subjected
to adverse conditions or regular use.

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Laterite Silt. Fine-grained soil material derived from the decomposition of laterite,
characterized by its unique composition and properties.
Silt. In general, is a granular material with particle sizes between sand and clay. It is often
found in soil and is characterized by its fine, powdery texture.
Sustainable. Refers to practices or processes that can be maintained over the long term
without harming the environment, depleting natural resources, or compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their needs.
Sustainability Metrics. Quantifiable measures assessing the environmental impact and
long-term viability of construction materials and practices.

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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This study rigorously reviewed various sources considered essential and valuable
in conducting a comprehensive investigation. The definitions and discussions of the
variables were presented to provide the researcher with some insights and directions to
the problem, the researcher instruments, and the accounts of the various topics in this
research. Synthesis of the literature and studies discussed are provided in this part.
Related Literature
Foreign
Nowadays, the utilization of locally accessible materials is a crucial stage for
sustainable, economical building material on the earth's surface (Geremew,2019). Within
them, brick is one of the commonly used construction materials around Jimma town due
to the availability of clayed soil. Nevertheless, brick produced by small micros unskilled
enterprises rather than by traditional methods, its quantity was small, and its quality was
unsatisfactory because it can easily break, and it has high water-absorbing conduct. The
purpose of the investigation was to improve the properties of clayed soil properties by
using laterite soil for the manufacturing of bricks for masonry units.
Laterite silt, a type of soil prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, exhibits
unique properties that make it an attractive component in concrete brick production.
According to a study by (Oyediran et al., 2012), laterite silt possesses high plasticity,
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which can improve the workability of concrete mixtures. Its high iron content also
contributes to the strength and durability of the resulting material. The use of laterite silt
in concrete brick production is not only beneficial for its physical properties but also for its
environmental impact. According to a study by Sivakumar and Santhanam (2007), the
use of laterite silt reduces the need for conventional aggregates, which are often sourced
from unsustainable mining activities. This approach aligns with the principles of
sustainable construction, promoting the use of locally available and environmentally
friendly materials.
According to Smith et al. (2018), laterite silt exhibits good workability, high water
retention capacity, and improved compressive strength when used as a partial
replacement for sand in concrete brick production. The study also found that the addition
of laterite silt resulted in a reduction in the carbon footprint of the bricks, making it a
promising sustainable alternative. The addition of laterite silt to concrete brick mixtures
has shown potential for improving various properties of the bricks. A study by (Johnson
et al., 2020) investigated the effect of laterite silt on the mechanical properties of concrete
bricks. The results showed that the inclusion of laterite silt led to an increase in the
compressive strength and durability of the bricks. The study also reported a decrease in
water absorption and an improvement in thermal insulation properties, making the bricks
more energy-efficient.
Moreover, Oyelami (2017) described lateritic soils as highly weathered tropical or
sub-tropical residual soils with varying proportions of particle sizes ranging from clay size
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to gravel, which were studied in an attempt to establish its suitability or otherwise as a
sustainable material in building bricks and housing developments that will meet the
present challenge of sustaining the environment without costing too much and
maintaining a high standard of strength, durability, and aesthetics. Index properties of the
lateritic soils tested revealed them as mostly well-graded, comprising both cohesive (silt
and clay) and cohesionless (sand and gravel) soil fraction. The mineralogical analysis
shows the presence of sesquioxides in the clay portion which were found to be very useful
in the natural binding process as well as in the presence of a stabiliser (cement). The
geotechnical analysis on the lateritic soil revealed a strong compressive strength with a
relatively sound dry density which could guarantee a good durability in resulting bricks
made from these soil materials.
Local
Nickel laterite is one of the sources of nickel, along with the less complex ore of
nickel sulfide. Laterite constitutes about 70% of the worldwide nickel resource, but sulfide
contributes to about 60% of the world’s nickel production (Elias 2013). This is due to the
complexity of laterite ore, making it more difficult and costly to process than sulfide ore.
With the increasing demand for nickel and improved processing economics for nickel
laterite, nickel production has increased. But due to its complexity, nickel laterite mining
is known to produce more waste than nickel sulfide. The Philippines is the 2nd largest
nickel ore producer, next to Indonesia in 2020 (Garside 2021). The country has 24 nickel
laterite mines, of which 16 are found in the Caraga Region, the southern part of the
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Philippines (MGB13 2021). The extraction of nickel in the country is using an open cast
or strip mining method, which involves the removal of 1 to 2 meters of topsoil or the
overburden to remove the limonite and saprolite deposits that occupy the soil from 3 to
25 meters below the ground (Tabios III 2020). Most nickel and iron ores in the Philippines
are exported to countries like China to extract and refine nickel, iron, chromium, cobalt,
and even some highly valued metals such as platinum, vanadium, and titanium (Tabios
III 2020)
Furthermore, Bernardo (2022) added that Siltation is the biggest environmental
challenge associated with nickel laterite mining in the Philippines. The amount of silt
generated is huge and one mitigation strategy currently employed by the mining
companies is the construction of siltation ponds where the bulk of the clayey- and silt-
sized surface runoffs is collected. However, this poses several serious environmental
hazards such as landslides due to heavy rainfall and the potential release of hazardous
heavy metals. A promising approach to reduce the risks associated with long-term
storage of nickel mine waste (NMW) is to employ circular economy by repurposing it for
ceramic applications. While generating useful materials with economic value out of a mine
waste, it will result in a reduction in volume of waste for disposal. In this study, the method
employed to produce NMW-based ceramic wall and floor tiles is slip casting as it is the
most appropriate method in forming tiles with complex surface features. Five formulations
of NMW-based slips were made for the casting of ceramic tiles and each slip was
characterized for its suitability as raw material. The results of NMW characterization show
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that NMW could be utilized as raw materials for both ceramic wall and floor tiles and the
addition of feldspar can enhance casting and physical properties.
(Garciano, 2019) Unreinforced masonry (URM) heritage structures, because of
their rudimentary building techniques, are vulnerable during extreme environmental
events, particularly earthquakes. Limited literature involving these structures provides
challenges for sound engineering solutions in their preservation, considering their
significance in a country’s history. Additional studies on the mechanical properties of
masonry blocks–compressive, shear, flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity provide an
insight on the behavior of structural components subjected to excessive loading
conditions, and also establish parameters for seismic vulnerability assessments. The
blocks considered are adobe, coralline limestone, and sandstone units, acquired from
selected heritage structures in the country. Customized setups for shear and flexure tests
were fabricated for lack of standard test methods. Results show that response of earth
masonry to different load setup show monolithic behavior, distinct lack of elasticity, and
intense deformability. Sandstone, while stronger in performance, exhibited very drastic
failure mode in the form of sudden shear and chipping. Nevertheless, the masonry fabric
proves to require further strengthening measures in resisting forces, as shown by their
strength parameters.
Related Studies
Foreign
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In the study conducted by Sharma and Ramkrishnan (2016) it was reported that
the influence of the method on CL and CH soils, and their results indicated that MICP
increased the UCS of both soils, but the UCS increase of CH was greater when compared
to CL soil. Moreover, (Choi et al., 2017) stated that apart from the environmentally friendly
features of MICP, the cost of calcium chloride (CaCl2) made this method uneconomical.
The cost and environmental effectiveness of the MICP approach relate to the volume of
chemical solution requirements. In stabilizing sub-base material, the MICP method affects
the environment 3.4 times more and is about 1.6 times costlier than the conventional
cement stabilization method due to its high volume of chemical solution requirements. A
study by (Islam et al., 2020) revealed that, in general, MICP increased the UCS of clay
soil, but the enhancing rate of UCS was below the threshold for some subgrade soils.
However, the authors indicated that the UCS of clayey soil might be increased beyond
the threshold using additional treatment cycles.
(Latifi et al., 2014) used a sodium silicate-based stabilizer (TX-85) to stabilize
tropical lateritic soil. They stated that a 9% TX-85 stabilizer agent increased the
compressive strength of lateritic soil almost four times in 7 days, curing it from 270 kPa
to 984 kPa. Studied the suitability of the mixture of lime, coal fly ash, and ground glass to
stabilize residual lateritic soil in Brazil. Their results indicated that UCS increased with the
decrease of 𝜂𝐵𝑖𝑣/, in which 𝜂indicated the porosity and 𝐵𝑖𝑣 illustrated the volumetric
content of pozzolan and carbide lime. The results of a study by (Oyediran and Okosun,
2013) suggested the desirability of 6 to 10% lime content for stabilization of lateritic soil
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as a road base in Nigeria. However, the authors stated that the suitability of lateritic soil
as road base material was different from soil to soil.
(Liu et al., 2010; Bishworjit and Athokpam 2013; Malavath et al., 2013; Ettler et al.,
2016; Brown et al., 2003; Kerala soil Health Information System). The construction sector
is currently facing a huge demand of sand/aggregates due to drastic growth of
infrastructure. Since sand/aggregates is most commonly used in construction raw
material for making building and road products. However, the current production rate of
natural sand/aggregate is lower than its current demand rate for the construction sectors
causing sustainability issues for the society. Laterite soil having rich iron content along
with highly corroded kaolinite of amorphous nature is used as precursor material for
making geopolymers through alkaline activation that would be a green and sustainable
binder to control the CO2 emission from the cement industry (Kaze et al.,2017)
The building industry has been reported to cause increased levels of pollution during
the extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials. For instance in the United
Kingdom, it has been reported that dwelling and household usage accounts for 50% of
all energy consumed and about 8% (350 PJ per year) is used to manufacture and
transport building materials. (Adalberth, 1996 in Morel et al., 2001). Waziri et al. (2013)
compared energy consumed as well as the amount of carbon emissions between
Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB) and other conventional bricks. CEB was reported to
generate about 22 kg CO2/tonne with concrete blocks producing, 143 kg CO2/tonne,
burnt clay bricks, about 200 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per tonne, and perforated
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concrete blocks 280–375 kg CO2 per tonne. This implies that CEB uses about 10% of
the input energy compared to the production of burnt clay and concrete masonry units.
Earth bricks have numerous advantages both for man and the environment. With the
present global concern about the environment and its sustainability, attention is beginning
to shift to energy efficient and environmentally friendly construction materials. Based on
this fact, earth construction remains the best and the most effective way of addressing
the housing deficit and simultaneously reduce the environmental impact of building
construction, as well as reducing the housing energy needs.
Local
Mining is extracting materials from the earth to recover one or more valuable
minerals. Along with this process is producing solid, liquid, or gaseous unwanted by-
products of no current economic value called mine wastes. Additionally, any mineral-
containing unexploited material on-site may be considered waste (Lebre et al. 2017).
Mine wastes can be classified into mining, processing, and metallurgical wastes
(Lottermoser 2010). Mining wastes, which is the focus of this study, are everything left in
the mine after extracting the valuable material. Mine waste may include waste rocks,
overburden, spoils, mining water, atmospheric emissions, acid mine water, dust, and silt.
(Binag,2018) Marine shell wastes have been popular as a recycled material for many type
of construction due to its characteristics which resembles limestone that is similar to
cement raw materials and if it is processed into shell ash cement, it can be substituted or
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blended with Portland cement for concrete works. The use of mussel and oyster shell ash
cement as a substitute for Portland cement will minimize the use of mountain forest and
quarries as sources of Portland cement. Results show that when mussel and oyster shell
wastes are transformed into an ash cement, it can be used as partial substitute for
Portland cement in the production of locally-based masonry cement mortar as block
binder and bricks production for the community at a mix ratio of 5%, 10%, and 15% of
either mussel or oyster shell ash cement and 95%, 90%, and 85% Portland cement,
respectively.
(Binag,2018) Marine shell wastes have been popular as a recycled material for
many type of construction due to its characteristics which resembles limestone that is
similar to cement raw materials and if it is processed into shell ash cement, it can be
substituted or blended with Portland cement for concrete works. The use of mussel and
oyster shell ash cement as substitute for Portland cement will minimize the use of
mountain forest and quarries as sources of Portland cement
Synthesis
Laterite silt, a type of soil found in tropical and subtropical regions, is an attractive
component in concrete brick production due to its high plasticity and potential to improve
the strength and durability of the material. This reduces the need for conventional
aggregates, which are often sourced from unsustainable mining activities. Studies have
shown that adding laterite silt to concrete brick mixtures can improve the mechanical
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properties of the bricks, making them more energy-efficient. Lateritic soils, which are
highly weathered tropical or sub-tropical residual soils, have been studied for their
suitability as sustainable materials in building bricks and housing developments. The
presence of sesquioxides in the clay portion of lateritic soils is beneficial for natural
binding and stabilization. Nickel laterite, along with the less complex ore of nickel sulfide,
constitutes about 70% of the worldwide nickel resource. However, nickel laterite mining
is known to produce more waste than nickel sulfide. In conclusion, laterite silt's use in
concrete brick production, lateritic soils, and unreinforced masonry heritage structures
presents significant opportunities for sustainable and economical building.

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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
The research design, research locale, research participants, data gathering
procedure, research instrument, data analysis, and ethical considerations are all parts of
the research methodology.
Research design
This study will use a quantitative experimental design. Experimental approach is
rooted in the scientific method, allowing for controlled experimentation to test hypotheses
and draw causal inferences (Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H., 2015).
Quantitative experimental designs are particularly suitable when investigating the effects
of an independent variable, in this case, the incorporation of laterite silt in concrete brick
production, on a dependent variable, such as the physical and mechanical properties of
the bricks.
Experimental designs are advantageous for establishing cause-and-effect
relationships, as they involve the manipulation of variables and the random assignment
of participants to experimental conditions (Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D., 2017). In
this study, the manipulation involves varying the proportion of laterite silt in concrete brick
production to observe its impact on key properties.

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The quantitative nature of the design facilitates the collection of numerical data,
allowing for statistical analysis to determine the significance of the observed effects
(Creswell & Creswell, 2017). Statistical analyses will be crucial in drawing valid
conclusions regarding the potential of laterite silt as a sustainable ingredient in concrete
brick production.
Research locale
The study will be conducted Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del sur.
Moreover, laterite silt will be obtain in Kayawyawan, Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao
del Sur. Kayawyawan is strategically chosen due to its accessibility to laterite silt, a key
material in this study. Kayawyawan has been identified as a rich source of laterite silt.
The geological composition of the area is crucial to understanding the potential quality
and characteristics of the laterite silt to be used in concrete brick production.
The proximity of the locale to the target participants, including masonry workers in
Barangay Adlay and masonry students from Adlay National High School, ensures
practical relevance and enhances the feasibility of the study. By conducting the research
in this locale, the study aims to capture real-world insights and experiences from
individuals directly involved in or studying masonry.
The choice of Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, as the broader
geographical context adds regional specificity to the study. The locale's unique
environmental conditions and geological characteristics may influence the performance

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of concrete bricks, and considering these factors is essential for the external validity of
the study.
Research respondents
The participants of this study will be masonry workers and masonry students of
Barangay Adlay. A purposive sampling technique will be used in selecting the
participants. This technique involves the identification and selection of individuals or
groups of individuals that are knowledgeable and experienced with the phenomenon of
interest (Cresswell & Plano Clark, 2011). Bernard (2015) and Spradley (2016) added that
the participants’ availability and willingness to participate, and their ability to communicate
their experiences and express their opinions in an articulate and reflective manner, are
also important. Likewise, since the participants are deliberately chosen due to the
qualities that they exhibit or possess, it is otherwise called judgment sampling
(Guetterman, 2015).
Research instrument
The study will employ a quantitative experimental design to rigorously investigate
the potential of laterite silt as a sustainable ingredient in concrete brick production. The
research instruments will include an observation checklist. The surveys, designed based
on established principles of survey research (Dillman, Smyth, & Christian, 2014), will
quantitatively gather data from masonry workers and students. The questions will focus
on factors such as their familiarity with laterite silt and quantitative assessments of its
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potential benefits and challenges. Additionally, an observation checklist, developed with
reference to construction research guidelines (Hallowell, Gambatese, & Windau, 2018),
will systematically record quantitative criteria during the concrete brick production
process. This combination of research instruments aims to provide a thorough
quantitative analysis, ensuring a robust evaluation of the practical and quantitative
aspects of integrating laterite silt into concrete brick production.
Data gathering procedure
The data that will be gathered by the researchers will be recorded, involved a
meticulous approach guided by an observation checklist. First, a comprehensive checklist
will be developed, outlining specific criteria related to the properties of laterite silt pertinent
to its use in concrete brick production. Trained observers will be informed to where
researchers obtained the laterite silt. These observers will systematically examine the
silt's characteristics, including texture, color, durability, and its reaction to moisture,
adhering closely to the checklist parameters. The observations will be recorded diligently,
ensuring accuracy and consistency. Subsequently, the collected data will be analyze,
comparing the observed properties with established standards and existing literature.
Statistical treatment
This involved employing various statistical methods such as descriptive statistics
to summarize the essential features of the laterite silt samples, including measures like
mean, median, and standard deviation. Additionally, inferential statistics will be utilized to
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make predictions or inferences about the larger population based on the observed data.
Techniques like hypothesis testing might have been applied to evaluate the significance
of differences between sample groups, ensuring the reliability of our findings.
Furthermore, regression analysis could have been used to explore relationships between
different variables, providing a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the
properties of laterite silt in concrete brick production. This meticulous statistical treatment
not only validated our research outcomes but also contributed to the credibility and
accuracy of our conclusions in the context of sustainable concrete brick manufacturing.

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References
Darman, J. T., Tchouata, J. H., Ng^on, G. F., Ngapgue, F., Ngakoupain, B. L., & Langollo,
Y. T. (2022). Heliyon, 1-15.
Goodman, R. (2002). Karl Terzaghi's Legacy in Geotechnical Engineering. THE
INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER FOR GEOTECHNICAL
ENGINEERS.
Kalmykova, Y., Sadagopan, M., & Rosado, L. (2018). Circular economy – From review of
theories and practices to development of implementation tools. Resources,
Conservation and Recycling, 198-201.
Sahin, I. (2016). DETAILED REVIEW OF ROGERS’ DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS
THEORY AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY-RELATED STUDIES BASED ON
ROGERS’ THEORY . The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology –
TOJET, 1-10.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2015). How to design and evaluate
research in education. McGraw-Hill Education.
Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-
mode surveys: The tailored design method. John Wiley & Sons.
Hallowell, M. R., Gambatese, J. A., & Windau, J. A. (2018). Checklist for construction
safety research. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(1),
04017102.
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CHECKLIST OBSERVATION
PART 1: PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
Name (Optional):_____________________________
Affiliation/Organization (Optional): ___________________
Experience as masonry worker:
 Less than 1 year
 1-5 years
 5-10 years
 More than 10 years
PART 2: Effect of Incorporating Latent Silt in Concrete Brick Production
Laterite silt-based Traditional brick

concrete brick
Observation
Yes No Yes No
Strength
The concrete brick exhibits high
compressive strength.
Tensile strength is evident, and the brick
resists breakage.
Flexural strength is sufficient, showing
resistance to bending.
No visible signs of spalling or surface
cracking under load.
The brick maintains structural integrity
during compression testing.
Uniform distribution of strength across
multiple samples.
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The brick shows resilience to impact
without significant damage.
Shear strength is adequate, indicating
resistance to forces parallel to the
surface.
The brick maintains its strength over time
without significant deterioration.
The compressive strength is consistent
across different production batches.
Durability
The brick demonstrates resistance to
surface abrasion.
No signs of wear or deterioration are
observed.
Chemical exposure does not lead to
visible damage.
Resistance to freeze-thaw cycles is
evident.
The brick shows resilience to cracking
under various conditions.
Minimal weather-induced deterioration,
such as fading or erosion, is observed.
Corrosion resistance of embedded metals
is effective.
Long-term stability is maintained without
significant creep or shrinkage.
Biological deterioration is minimal or
absent.
Impact resistance is demonstrated under
dynamic conditions.
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Structural Stability
The brick maintains structural integrity.
No visible signs of deformation or warping
are present.
The brick remains stable under various
load conditions.
Uniformity in structural stability across
multiple samples.
Effective load-bearing capacity without
structural failure.
The brick exhibits resistance to seismic
forces.
No signs of settling or uneven settling in
structural applications.
The brick maintains its structural
properties over an extended period.
The brick resists structural degradation
due to external factors.
Structural stability is consistent across
different production batches.
Fire Resistance
The brick exhibits resistance to fire.
Minimal signs of charring or structural
damage are observed.
The brick maintains its form and strength
after exposure to fire.
Resistance to high temperatures is
consistent across different production
batches.
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The brick does not contribute significantly
to the spread of flames.
The surface of the brick remains intact
after exposure to fire.
Structural performance is not
compromised after exposure to fire.
The brick does not emit harmful gases or
fumes during combustion.
Fire resistance is maintained over
repeated exposures.
The brick resists thermal shock after
exposure to fire.
Water Resistance
The brick shows resistance to water
absorption.
No visible signs of water saturation are
observed.
The brick effectively prevents water
ingress.
Water resistance is consistent across
different production batches.
The brick maintains its structural integrity
when exposed to water.
Minimal efflorescence or leaching of
soluble salts is observed.
The brick does not undergo significant
dimensional changes due to water
exposure.
Resistance to water-related deterioration,
such as spalling, is evident.
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The brick remains resilient to water
exposure over an extended period.
Water resistance is uniform across
multiple samples.

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Republic of the Philippines

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF LATERITE SILT AS A SUSTAINABLE

A Research Study Presented

PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Concrete, a fundamental construction material, has long been associated with

consumption during production contribute to carbon emissions and depletion of natural

resources. The utilization of alternative materials in concrete production has gained

significant attention in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental

which shows promise as a sustainable ingredient in concrete brick production. Laterite

and 16% of water (Joseph and Tretsiakova-McNally, 2010).

CARAGA Region, Municipality of Carrascal, Barangay Adlay, due to a lack of resources

mining site of 4DVDI, as uploaded by 4D Ventures & Development Incorporated.

laterite silt as a sustainable ingredient in concrete brick production. The exploration

resistance associated with laterite silt into concrete bricks.

This study is anchored by Innovation Diffusion theory of EM Rogers. The

acceptance, the "early majority" emerges, representing a significant portion of the

identification of challenges and opportunities associated with the material's

Second, the study is anchored by Circular Economy Theory, popularized by

MacArthur Foundation, which advocates for an economic model focused on maximizing

available resource that might otherwise be considered waste—into the concrete

systems within the construction industry.

Lastly, the study is anchored by geotechnical engineering theories of Karl

the application of geotechnical engineering and soil stabilization theories is instrumental.

The foundational principles of geotechnical engineering guide the assessment of how

contributing to more robust and sustainable concrete brick production practices.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The construction industry's shift towards sustainable practices necessitates

questions to comprehensively understand the potential of laterite silt as a sustainable

ingredient in concrete brick production:

1.4 Fire Resistance;

1.5 Water Resistance.

production to achieve maximum sustainability without compromising structural

produced using laterite compared to traditional concrete?

4. What is the overall percentage potential of laterite silt as ingredient in concrete

produced using laterite silt compared to traditional concrete bricks.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is beneficial to the following:

processes, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to sustainable practices, thereby

development, waste management, and sustainable construction practices, thereby

directly impacting the livelihoods and environmental well-being of the community

practices by introducing laterite silt as a viable local resource, thus contributing to

economic development, waste reduction, and the overall environmental sustainability of

infrastructure projects within the jurisdiction.

ratios, curing methods, or variations in production techniques to optimize the use of

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

acknowledges potential resource constraints, such as the availability of laterite silt in

applicability and potential of laterite silt in sustainable construction practices within

Barangay Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.

Bricks. Refers to a rectangular block of clay or concrete used as a building material.

withstand the pressure and weight of other bricks or construction materials.

Durability. Refers to the ability of a product, material, or structure to withstand wear,

to adverse conditions or regular use.

characterized by its unique composition and properties.

found in soil and is characterized by its fine, powdery texture.

of future generations to meet their needs.

Sustainability Metrics. Quantifiable measures assessing the environmental impact and

long-term viability of construction materials and practices.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

in conducting a comprehensive investigation. The definitions and discussions of the

Nowadays, the utilization of locally accessible materials is a crucial stage for

sustainable, economical building material on the earth's surface (Geremew,2019). Within

unique properties that make it an attractive component in concrete brick production.

environmental impact. According to a study by Sivakumar and Santhanam (2007), the